Patient Bill Of Rights

Our Commitment

A hospital has many functions to perform including preventing and treating disease, educating health professionals and patients, and conducting clinical research. All these activities are conducted with an overriding concern for you.


Adults

As a patient at Charleston Area Medical Center, we believe you have certain rights which we will honor. You have the right:

·         to considerate and respectful care.

·         to obtain complete information concerning your care in terms you can understand.

·         to make decisions about your care after being given information about your health, the plan of care and alternatives.

·         to refuse treatment and be free of inappropriate restraints.

·         to make advance directives which will guide your care.

·         to expect that the hospital staff will reasonably respond to your need for comfort and pain relief.

·         to have a family member or representative and your physician notified of your admission, upon your request.

·         to have personal privacy.

·         to confidentiality of your records and other communications.

·         to receive information contained in your records, after providing a written release.

·         to evaluation, service and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of your needs.

·         to obtain information on hospital affiliations that might influence your care.

·         to consent to or decline participation in experimental treatments.

·         to understand treatment options when hospital care is no longer appropriate.

·         to examine and receive an explanation of your bill.


Children

Charleston Area Medical Center recognizes that because of their age and dependency, children have special needs. Children have the right:

·         to be respected as individuals.

·         to maintain parent-child relationships including 24-hour visitation unless it interferes with safety or recovery.

·         to communicate with or visit siblings.

·         to age-appropriate care.

·         to reasonable responses to needs for comfort and pain relief.

·         to continue supportive home patterns and routines.

·         to consistent, supportive and nurturing care.

·         to treatment in an atmosphere that supports developmental, ethnic or cultural needs.

·         to receive care from professionals skilled in the care of children.

·         to family assistance during hospitalization for issues such as finances, housing and coping needs.


We will strive to meet your needs and expectations. If we fail to meet a need, you may voice your concern to any staff member or call the help line at (304) 388-9623 for immediate assistance.

If a complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may file a grievance by phoning the compliance office toll free at 1-877-777-0787.